Adventure Magazine Feb 2020

CRUISING
THE SOLOMONS
Word by Kylie Travers
Images by SIDC Gerald Rambert
Seeking adventure and relaxation in a tropical paradise,
I knew this trip would be one to remember. As the sun sunk
beneath the waves on the first night, the rest of the world,
along with all my worries and cares melted away. For the
next 7 days, I was free to explore the crystal clear waters,
dive or snorkel colourful reefs, meet gorgeous people and be
welcomed at each island we stopped at.
Laying on a hammock on the top deck, watching the
islands smoothly pass by as we cruised to our first stop, I
can’t help but relax. The friendly staff on Solomon Island
Discovery Cruises were taking care of my every need from
the moment I arrived. With an outstanding menu carefully
prepared by chefs who are passionate about their craft,
combining local produce and recipes with international
cuisine, every meal was an experience.
As we cruised along from island to island, dolphins swam
over, playfully jumping in and out of the water around our
boat. Followed by a whale, gliding past. We could not believe
our luck to see one so close and immediately the captain
stopped cruising so we could watch it without disturbing it
as it swam out further. With such amazing marine life being
so close, I couldn’t wait to get in the water and explore more
under the ocean for myself.
Diving had never been easier. All my gear was ready to
go, the staff, who were fast becoming friends, helped with
everything then we were off. Sinking down into the ocean,
colourful reefs, schools of fish, stingrays, manta rays and
more came out to say hello and my guide pointed each one
out beautifully so I didn’t miss a thing.
After a perfect dive, we were whisked away for a BBQ
on a private island. Whilst waiting for it to cook, we swam,
snorkelled and used stand up paddleboards to explore the
ocean around it. Asking my snorkel guide, Pedrose, where
his favourite spot was, he took me around the corner where
the rocks and reefs parted a little. As
we floated along, he suddenly pointed
and there, in the crack of a rock was an
octopus feeding, it moved so gracefully
and was amazing to watch.
Later, being heavily interested in
WWII, I was keen to dive wrecks and
climb to the top of Hill 281 in Tulagi to
see what our soldiers saw, view relics
and walk through foxholes and Japanese
U caves used in the war. With so much
WWII history throughout the Solomon
Islands, you never know what you will
discover as you are taken around each
island. After our walk up Hill 281, the
cool drinks at Raiders Hotel and Bar
were a delight.
At Roderick Bay, the wreck of the
MS World Explorer is slowly being taken
back over by nature. Despite the wreck
not being a natural part of the island, the
villagers have created a world of wonder
with ziplines between it and the trees
for kids to play on. Ropes hang off the
trees, with kids swinging out over the
impossibly clear water as we approach.
Being warmly greeted with cool coconut
drinks, we were treated to singing,
dancing and music then a walk through
the lush greenery to the other side of
the island. Coming from a cool climate,
I was sweltering but loving every step of
the way. As we started the return journey,
Captain Ezi called to me. While I was
touring the village, he had weaved a fan
from a palm leaf for me to use to cool
myself walking back through the forest.
With diving, stand up paddle
boarding, snorkelling, WWII history,
village visits, water skiing and surfing,
it was an outstanding trip, ending with
a bonfire on a private island. Sipping
champagne with my friends in the gentle
waves as the sunset and the bonfire
started was the perfect way to end the
trip.
In the morning, as we boarded the
tender to go back home and waved
farewell to our new friends, I knew I
would return again and again.
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